Abstract: A method for continuous carbonation and optionally cooling of drinking water which can be carried out in a user-friendly appliance which can be accommodated in any household and provides the consumer with the possibility of dispensing preferably cooled, CO.sub.2 -containing drinking water by the glass or cupful, is characterised in that in the continuous (in-line) process drinking water taken from the mains supply is carbonated and is optionally cooled; the device comprising a carbonation section for connection to the drinking water supply main and at least one pressure-controlling tap at the end of the dispensing line, and optionally a cooling system.